Hollyhocks are the quintessential cottage garden flower, and of all the kinds out there, Indian Spring Mix is my favorite. They received an All America award in 1939, and are just as good today.
What I especially like about them is that they have some variation not just in color, but in flower form as well. Some are single, some semi-double. Some have smooth edges and others have "pinked" (raggedy) edges. I started 7 plants last summer. Five of them are already blooming (spring has definitely arrived in San Diego!), and the others are getting ready. The colors range from a very pale pink, through medium pinks, to a pinky-red. Each has a lighter center.
They add nice height to the garden. If you live in a windy area, plant them against a fence or wall to help them stay upright. I have mine against a white picket fence with a pink rose growing on it. The hollyhocks make a lovely color echo with the rose.